Sixteen papers from a workshop on computer applications sponsored by the University of Cape Town (South Africa) School of Librarianship are presented in this volume: (1) "Introduction to the Use of Information Technology" (Sue Bleimschein); (2) "Searching Remote Databases" (Steve Rossouw); (3) "SABINET [South African Bibliographic and Information…

A new approach to polychotomous scoring of test items, similar to "max-alpha" scaling (MAS) and known as polyweighting, has been developed. Unlike MAS, this new method of polychotomous scoring provides scoring weights for a given item that are independent of the difficulty of other items in the analysis. Moreover, the scoring weights are…

Seven components of an authoring system for interactive computer-assisted instruction are described: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, monitors, and a videodisc player; (2) videodiscs purchased for "repurposing," i.e., using frames of clips from the videodisc to illustrate the instructional program; (3) program options for the instructor;…

This paper describes the MAIS and presents the BASIC programming code for the heuristic employed in this expert tutor management system, which is based on the findings of investigations of the direct connections among such learning environment factors as individual differences, cognitive learning theory, instructional technology, subject matter…

This manual was written to assist States and other governmental units wishing to replicate the Maryland Day Care Voucher Program, a system of providing child care subsidies to eligible families. Chapter I provides brief histories of day care in Maryland and that State's grant to demonstrate the viability of a day care voucher system. Chapter II…

Guidelines for articulation of a framework for practical application of proportional-hazards models (PHMs) to professional survival analysis are provided. Focus is on data analysis fitting the PHMs with the semi-parametric methods of partial likelihood; this strategy is available in the BMDP2L and SAS PROC PHGLM computer programs. Areas in which…

Developed to help library media personnel, administrators, and educators understand and work with the copyright law as it applies to videotape and microcomputer software, this handbook provides: (1) an overview of copyright, including rights granted to copyright holders and libraries and court interpretation of the copyright law; (2) suggestions…

This courseware evaluation rates the Hi-Res Electronic Design program developed by Avant-Garde Creations. (The program--not contained in this document--is designed to determine closure and area of a survey.) Part A describes the program in terms of subject area (schematic diagrams and symbols) and hardware requirements (Apple II, color monitor,…

This paper describes the use and challenges of microcomputers in guidance and counseling. Following introductory remarks on the technological advancement of computers and their impact, currently available career guidance systems, testing systems (including psychological testing, interviewing, and test preparation), administrative systems, and…

This paper reports on an application of parallel models to the area of information retrieval and argues that massively parallel, distributed models of computation, called connectionist, or parallel distributed processing (PDP) models, offer a new approach to the representation and manipulation of knowledge. Although this document focuses on…

This report presents results of several extensive empirical studies. Prior to these studies it was believed that errors in procedural skills such as multi-digit subtraction could be accurately modelled with two mechanisms: bugs ("competence" phenomena reflecting mistaken beliefs about subtraction which are stable over time) and slips…

The past few years have seen a proliferation of microcomputers and a reduction in their cost. Many children have microcomputers in their homes and have learned their use in playing games and solving problems. Among these programs are those designed to improve reading skills, many of which are somewhat poorly conceived and prepared, often being…

Computerized spelling programs or "spelling checkers" can be a wonderful tool for writers at any level of competence. However, they should not be used as adjuncts to the teaching of writing unless they meet two boundary conditions, one of size and one of design. The problem with design of the programs is that they allow for the…

This paper contains the technical specifications, schematic diagrams, and program printout for a computer software package for the development and administration of diagnostic tests. The second version of the Diagnostic Testing Package DX consists of a PASCAL-based set of modules located in two main programs: (1) EDITTEST creates, modifies, and…

Thirteen papers from a symposium on technology in education and communications for the deaf are presented. The following papers are included: "Technology Trends in Special Education" (C. Blaschke); "Microcomputer Usage in American Schools for the Deaf: The State of the Art" (M. Deninger); "Management and Computers"…